Rash of Problems Testing Instrumentation at Nuclear Plants

Having troubles at nuclear plants hiring I&C guys?

Event Number: 52643
Facility: PILGRIM Region: 1 State: MA Unit: [1] [ ] [ ] RX Type: [1] GE-3 NRC Notified By: KEVIN OROURKE HQ OPS Officer: BETHANY CECERE	Notification Date: 03/27/2017 Notification Time: 21:54 [ET] Event Date: 03/27/2017 Event Time: 18:25 [EDT] Last Update Date: 03/27/2017
Emergency Class: NON EMERGENCY 10 CFR Section: 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D) - ACCIDENT MITIGATION	Person (Organization): BILL COOK (R1DO)

Unit	SCRAM Code	RX CRIT	Initial PWR	Initial RX Mode	Current PWR	Current RX Mode
1	N	Y	100	Power Operation	100	Power Operation

Event Text

HPCI DECLARED INOPERABLE DUE TO INADVERTENT ISOLATION "On March 27, 2017, at 1825 hours EDT, with the reactor at 100 percent core thermal power and steady state conditions, technicians inadvertently caused a High Pressure Coolant Injection (HPCI) System isolation, by testing the incorrect temperature switches in the TIP [Traversing In-core Probe] room. Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station (PNPS) was performing testing on the temperature switches for Reactor Core Isolation Cooling (RCIC), but the HPCI temperature switches were inadvertently actuated causing HPCI to isolate. "The Limiting Condition for Operation (LCO) Action Statement 3.5.c.2 has been entered and the planned testing has been secured pending further investigation. PNPS is providing an 8-hour non-emergency notification that the HPCI System was declared inoperable in accordance with 10 CFR 50.72(b)(3)(v)(D), an event or condition that could have prevented fulfillment of a safety function needed to mitigate the consequences of an accident. HPCI was returned to Operable within 40 minutes." The licensee notified the NRC Resident Inspector and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Page Last Reviewed/Updated Tuesday, March 28, 2017